Ok, for sake of content because maybe some real newbie like myself is going to come on here looking for this.. I am going to for example, start a constructive argument and say...

I use a lot of different kick drum mics, a lot of the pro mics out there sound.. not bad.... My go to mic for a 1 mic application is an Audix D6, I like it's response for a carved out mid range kick drum sound. Lost of sub, punch and click. Good for a modern kick sound. Another good mic is the AKG D112. A different response characteristic but still a good sounding mic to me, it's got fuller lower mid range. I use that for Jazz type acts. A kick mic I stay away from is the Shure Beta52, I never liked it. It's dynamics seem too flabby or something. All three of those mics I have had for 5 plus years and they haven't missed a beat. So as for durability, there ain't much to break, and the Shure is probably best used as a hammer.

rubbish. Everyone knows the best kick drum is a 1989 Radio Shack PZM mic, non-modified with the funky batteries in it, gaff-taped to the resonant head on the outside, with cable hanging down at a 167º angle. Others may claim this or that, or say "it depends," but that's a copout for the true BEST KICK DRUM MIC.

Currently my kick drum staple would be the Shure Beta 52 in the hole and the SM91 inside the drum.I've recently started trying out the Audix D6 - Beta 91 combo, and have been getting pleasing results. I'm just so used to the 52 though, quick to get up and go, depending what type sound i'm looking for I guess.

My mics of choice right now are D6 outside and e901 inside. Tons of punch, low end, and click. Lots of guys in town use to Beta 52 but I really don't care for it. I think that it takes less work to make sound OK, but does not sound 1/2 as good as the D6 or e901 when properly setup.

My mics of choice right now are D6 outside and e901 inside. Tons of punch, low end, and click. Lots of guys in town use to Beta 52 but I really don't care for it. I think that it takes less work to make sound OK, but does not sound 1/2 as good as the D6 of e901 when properly setup.